NYU Langone Health performed the world's first HIV-positive-to-HIV-positive lung transplant, according to a June 19 announcement. The surgery expands the pool of potential donors for HIV-positive patients who previously had limited options for organ transplantation.
Sapna Mehta, MD, clinical director of NYU Langone Transplant Institute and co-architect of the research protocol sanctioned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, said, "This is a watershed moment for the HIV-positive community and represents real progress in creating equity in organ transplantation. While these transplants are still only allowable under certain research protocols, this marks an expansion of options for people in need of a lifesaving organ."
Approximately 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV. Advances in antiretroviral therapies allow most people with HIV to live long and healthy lives with near-normal life expectancies.
Bertrand Nelson, age 56, has lived with HIV for nearly 26 years and was diagnosed with sarcoidosis affecting his lungs and liver in 2000. After developing Legionnaires' disease in 2021 that reactivated his sarcoidosis and worsened his condition by 2024, he was referred to NYU Langone Transplant Institute for evaluation under a research protocol established by the 2013 HIV Organ Policy Equity Act (HOPE Act). In March 2026, Nelson received both a lung transplant from Stephanie H. Chang, MD, surgical director of lung transplantation at NYU Langone, and a liver transplant from Karim J. Halazun, MD.
Nelson is now off oxygen support after four years and regaining mobility following years of illness. He credited his mother for her support throughout his journey: "I want to be well for her," he said. "I want her to see me thriving." He also expressed hope that sharing his experience would raise awareness about access to care within the HIV community: "There are so many others who need access to this level of care, and the more organs that become available, the better the odds of finding the right match and living a long life," he said.
